Racquet display system

ABSTRACT

A racquet display system wherein of the racquets includes a head portion and a handle portion and optionally a throat portion. The head portion of each of the racquets defines a string bed plane. The system includes a first horizontally extending support configured to engage the racquets at first contact points, a second horizontally extending support configured to engage the racquets at second contact points, and a first spacing assembly. The first and second contact points define first and second average heights. The first height is greater than the second height. The system supports the racquets such that the string bed planes are vertical, and parallel with respect to each other. The handle portions of the racquets extend in a direction perpendicular to the first and second supports. Each of the handle portions extends at an angle within the range of 0 to 80 degrees with respect to horizontal.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a multi-racquet support structure and a system for displaying a plurality of sports racquets.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Sport racquets, such as tennis, racquetball, squash and badminton racquets, are well known and typically include a frame having a head portion coupled to a handle portion. The head portion supports a string bed having a plurality of main string segments interwoven with a plurality of cross string segments. Racquets are made in many different sizes, lengths, weights, shapes, colors and other characteristics. Racquets are also frequently made to meet the needs of certain types of users based upon an age range, a height range, a user skill level or other user characteristics.

Sports racquets are often sold at retail stores where dozens of racquets are displayed on a wall or in an aisle. The walls or aisles typically include outwardly projecting multi-racquet supports structures, often referred to as pegs. Racquets can be relatively large items which, when displayed, can take up a fair amount of available wall or aisle space of a retail store. Therefore, in order to conserve valuable display space, it is common for a retailer to position a plurality of racquets including 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or more racquets onto a single peg. The racquets are typically hung or suspended by the top of the head portion with the handle portion positioned beneath the head portion and the head card facing outward. The racquets are typically positioned in groups such that the head portion and head card of the second outermost racquet is directly behind the outermost racquet, third outermost racquet is directly behind the second outermost racquet, and so on.

In many larger sporting goods stores, department stores or “big-box” stores, sports racquets can be displayed by sport (e.g. tennis, racquetball, etc.), brand, price point or price range, racquet characteristics, or user characteristics. In racquet specialty stores, racquets may be arranged by other characteristics, such as model, brand, swing weight, head size, weight, length, string pattern, other playing characteristics such swing weight, feel, control and spin. In larger sporting goods stores and racquet specialty stores, different or multiple racquet models may be displayed on the same peg. When this occurs, the consumer typically only notices the forward-most or outermost racquet on the peg. In other words, the racquet that is uncovered by the other racquets on the same peg. It is common for consumers to assume that all the racquets on the same peg are the same. As a result, many consumers will not remove the outermost racquet, or otherwise move aside a portion of the outermost racquet, to get a better view of the racquets behind the outermost racquet. Thus, racquets that are not positioned as the outermost racquet on a peg are less likely to be noticed, examined and/or purchased by the consumer than the outermost racquet on a peg. In racquet specialty stores, multiple racquets positioned on a single peg make the racquets difficult to access for the racquet professional attempting to quickly display different racquet models or other characteristics to potential customers.

In other racquet display peg configurations, the peg can be angled downward from the wall such that the two or more racquets hung from the peg are positioned one in front of the other, but at slightly different heights from each other. This configuration can be referred to as a waterfall peg configuration. In such peg configurations, the racquets are typically positioned with the outermost racquet covering all or a portion of the adjacent racquet and so on. Many consumers simply do not want to remove racquet after racquet from a single peg in the hopes of finding a racquet that meets their particular needs. Retrieving a racquet from a peg carrying multiple racquets can be difficult for the consumer to accomplish and can lead to the consumer becoming frustrated. Further, even when the consumer goes through the trouble of removing a racquet from a multi-racquet peg, if the consumer chooses not to purchase the racquet, he or she may not return the racquets to its original position but rather place on any available peg. Thus, arrangement of racquets on display at the retail store can become more disorganized overtime.

Accordingly, a need exists for a way to overcome or reduce the likelihood of a consumer viewing an outermost racquet and failing to realize or recognize that a racquet having a different characteristic than the outermost racquet is positioned behind the outermost racquet or outermost racquets. What is needed is a system that a consumer or a racquet sales professional with the ability to readily access a single racquet from a display of numerous racquets of different characteristics without having to disturb or otherwise reposition the other racquets on display. What is needed is a system that allows a user to quickly identify the racquets that meet the characteristic or characteristics he or she is seeking. There is a need for a system that will increase the likelihood that racquets in a retail space will be noticed, examined and purchased by a consumer. It would be advantageous to provide a system for displaying sports racquets in an efficient manner that minimizes the display space, provides useful information to the consumer, and enables consumers to select a racquet from the collection of racquets quickly and easily. It would also be advantageous to provide a racquet display system that can accommodate different sized retail spaces and retail centers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a racquet display system for displaying a first plurality of sports racquets in an area having a floor. Each of the sports racquets includes a head portion and at least one of a handle portion and a throat portion. The head portion of each of the sports racquets defines a string bed plane. The system includes a first generally horizontally extending support assembly configured to engage one of the handle portion and the throat portion of the first plurality of racquets at a first plurality of contact points, a second generally horizontally extending support assembly configured to engage the head portion of the first plurality of racquets at a second plurality of contact points, and a first spacing assembly coupled to at least one of the first and second support assemblies. The first plurality of contact points defines a first average height with respect to the floor. The second support assembly is spaced apart from and is positioned parallel to the first support assembly. The second plurality of contact points defines a second average height with respect to the floor. The first average height is greater than the second average height. The first spacing assembly is configured to facilitate the spacing apart of the first plurality of racquets. The first and second support assemblies and the first spacing assembly are configured to support the first plurality of racquets such that the string bed planes are vertically orientated and generally parallel with respect to each other. The handle portions of the first plurality of racquets extend in a direction perpendicular to the first and second horizontal support assemblies. Each of the handle portions of the first plurality of racquets extends at a projecting angle. The projecting angle is within the range of 0 to 80 degrees with respect to horizontal.

According to a principal aspect of a preferred form of the invention, a sports racquet display system is configured for displaying at least two different categories of sports racquets. Each of the sports racquets includes a head portion and at least one of a handle portion and a throat portion. The head portion of each of the sports racquets defines a string bed plane. The display system having a front that is configured to be accessible to a user facing the display system. The system includes at least first and second category description regions, and at least first and second racquet retrieval regions positioned in close relation to the at least first and second racquet retrieval regions, respectively. The at least first and second category description regions are directed to at least first and second racquet categories, respectively. Each racquet category is defined by at least one characteristic. Each of the at least first and second category description regions is configured for supporting at least one racquet from the at least first and second racquet categories, respectively, in a first position in which the head portion of the racquet is positioned above the handle portion of the racquet. The first and second category description regions include graphical and/or alphanumeric indicia. Each of the at least first and second racquet retrieval regions is configured for supporting a plurality of racquets from the at least first and second racquet categories, respectively, in a second position in which the string bed plane is positioned substantially vertical, and the handle portion extends from the head portion toward the user facing the display system at a projecting angle. The projecting angle is within the range of 0 to 85 degrees from horizontal.

According to another principal aspect of a preferred form of the invention, a sports racquet display system for displaying a first plurality of sports racquets in an area having a floor includes first and second generally horizontally extending support assemblies and a first spacing assembly. Each of the sports racquets includes a head portion and a handle portion. The head portion of each of the sports racquets defines a string bed plane. The display system has a front configured to be accessible to a user facing the display system. The first generally horizontally extending support assembly is configured to engage the handle portion of the first plurality of racquets at a first plurality of contact points. The first plurality of contact points defines a first average height with respect to the floor. A second generally horizontally extending support assembly is configured to engage the head portion of the first plurality of racquets at a second plurality of contact points. The second support assembly is spaced apart from and is positioned parallel to the first support assembly. The second plurality of contact points defines a second average height with respect to the floor. The first average height is less than the second average height. The first spacing assembly is coupled to at least one of the first and second support assemblies. The first spacing assembly is configured to facilitate the spacing apart of the first plurality of racquets. The first and second support assemblies and the first spacing assembly is configured to support the first plurality of racquets such that the string bed planes are vertically orientated and generally parallel with respect to each other. The display system configured to support the first plurality of racquets such that the head portions are above the handle portions, the string bed planes of the first plurality of racquets are perpendicular to the first and second support assemblies, and each of the handle portions of the first plurality of racquets extend at a projecting angle. The projecting angle being within the range of 5 to 45 degrees with respect to vertical. The display system is configured to enable one of the racquets of the first plurality of racquets to be removed from the display system without disturbing the remaining of the first plurality of racquets.

This invention will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings described herein below, and wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a racquet display system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front, side perspective view of modules of the racquet display system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is front view of category description modules of the racquet display system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a plurality of a first embodiment of racquet retrieval modules of the racquet display system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a front, side perspective view of the first racquet retrieval modules of the display system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a racquet retrieval module of the racquet display system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the racquet display system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a front, side perspective view of a second embodiment of racquet retrieval modules of the racquet display system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a front, side perspective view of one of the racquet retrieval modules of the racquet display system of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a side view of a racquet retrieval module of the racquet display system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is a front view of a racquet retrieval module of the racquet display system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 a is a front view of a first support assembly of the racquet retrieval module of FIG. 6 shown with the cross-sectional representations of the portion of the racquet contacting the first support assembly.

FIGS. 12 a through 12 g illustrate the first support assembly of a racquet retrieval module of the racquet display system in accordance with alternative preferred embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a side view of a racquet retrieval module of the racquet display system in accordance with alternative preferred embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, a sports racquet display system 10 is shown. The sports racquet display system 10 comprises various display modules that can be numbered and arranged to meet the needs of a particular retail space or other display application. The display system 10 is shown with a plurality of tennis racquets 20. However, the display system 10 can also be used to facilitate the display, organization, identification and retrieval of other types of sports racquets, such as, for example, racquetball racquets, squash racquets, or a badminton racquets, paddle ball racquets, and combinations thereof.

The display system 10 can include one or more modules or regions. Preferably, the display system 10 can include one or more category description modules 22, one or more projecting handle racquet retrieval modules 24, one or more inclined racquet retrieval module 26, or any combination of two or more of the modules 22, 24 and 26. Each of the modules 22, 24 and 26 are preferably configured to support a particular category of racquets, or a set of racquets sharing one or more particular characteristics. The characteristics can include one or more racquet characteristics and/or one or more player related characteristics. Examples of racquet characteristics can include length, weight, swing weight, head size, string pattern, moment of inertia (MOI) about a longitudinal axis, MOI about other axes, vibrational frequency, coefficient of restitution, brand name, model name, color, graphical design, and combinations thereof. Examples of player related characteristics can include age, height, gender, skill level, swing speed, desired feedback level (amount of feel), desired power level, desired control level, desired level of spin imparted to a ball, and combinations thereof.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the category description modules or regions 22 are shown in greater detail. Each category description module 22 displays or highlights one or more characteristic of a particular category of the racquets 20. The category description module 22 preferably can include at least one racquet 20 and/or graphical and/or alphanumeric indicia 28 relating to the particular category of racquets. The indicia 28 can include one or more trademarks (such as “WILSON”), service marks, designs, images, logos, certification marks, marketing information, descriptions of features and benefits of the particular category of racquets, instructions, racquet specifications, price, instructional information, material information, regulatory and/or legal information, other markings or combinations thereof.

The racquet 20 includes a frame 32 and a string bed 34. The frame 32 is a tubular structure having a longitudinal axis 36 and including a head portion 38, a handle portion 40, and a throat portion 42 coupling the head and handle portions 38 and 40. The frame 32 is formed of a lightweight, durable material, preferably a carbon-fiber composite material. As used herein, the term “composite material” refers to a plurality of fibers impregnated (or permeated throughout) with a resin. Alternatively, the frame 32 can be formed of other materials including aluminum, metallic alloys, other composite materials, wood, or combinations thereof.

The head portion 38 of the racquet 20 is preferably a tubular structure that includes a distal region 44, first and second side regions 46 and 48, and a proximal region 50, which collectively define a hoop 52, or string bed area. The hoop 52 can be any closed curved shape including, for example, a generally oval shape, a generally tear-drop shape, a generally pear shape, a generally circular shape and combinations thereof. The hoop 52 or string bed area is configured for receiving and supporting the string bed 34. The hoop 52 of the head portion 38 defines a string bed plane 60. The string bed 34 is formed by a plurality of main string segments 54 interwoven with a plurality of cross string segments 56 generally extending across the string bed plane 60. The main and cross string segments 54 and 56 can be formed from one continuous piece of racquet string, or from two or more pieces of racquet string. The string bed plane 60 of an unstrung racquet 20 generally extends across the hoop 52 and through the center of the head portion 38 of the racquet 38.

A head card 62 can be coupled to the string bed 24, or in an unstrung racquet 20, to the head portion 38 by one or more fasteners. The head card 62 generally extends along the string bed plane 60. The head card 62 is a flexible sheet of a lightweight material, such as cardboard. Alternatively, the head card 62 can be formed of a plastic, paper, a woven or unwoven textile, or combinations thereof. The head card 50 is configured to display graphical and/or alpha-numeric indicia 64, similar to the indicia 28.

The handle portion 40 of the frame 32 is an elongate tubular structure that is preferably integrally formed to the frame 32 of the racquet 20. In alternative preferred embodiments, the handle portion 40 is formed separately from the head portion 38 and is coupled together by a vibration and/or shock absorbing material. The handle portion 40 includes a rigid tubular shaft, a pallet, a butt cap 66 and a grip 68. The pallet is a tubular structure that surrounds the shaft and typically defines the general shape of the handle portion 40. The butt cap 66 is a cup-shaped body that extends over and covers a proximal end of the pallet of the handle portion 40. The grip 68 extends over the outer surface of the pallet and preferably at least a portion of the butt cap 66. The grip 68 is an elongate strip of soft, durable material. The grip 68 can be made of a leather, a synthetic leather, a rubber or other thermoset material.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate one particularly preferred embodiment of the display system 10 including three separate category description modules or regions 22 a, 22 b and 22 c. The first category description module 22 a is directed toward the characteristics of “spin+control”, which refers to racquets 20 designed and configured to promote a high level of control and to provide a player with the ability to impart a high level of spin onto a ball. The indicia 28 of module 22 a is directed toward the spin and control category, and two racquets 20 with characteristics placing them within the category are displayed in a generally upright vertical position. The second and third category description modules 22 b and 22 c are directed toward the characteristics of “Power+Spin” and “Power+Comfort”, respectively. “Power” relates to the racquets designed and configured to provide the player with the ability to transfer more energy from his or her swing to the ball upon impact, or to provide the player with the ability to hit the ball harder with a higher speed off the racquet. “Comfort” relates to racquets designed and configured with a more dampened feel. Comfort racquets can include more vibration dampening features such that vibrational and shock energy occurring during impact with a ball is mitigated or reduced as it extends to the grip and to the player's hand. In other alternative preferred embodiments, other combinations of characteristics can be used.

Each of the racquet category description modules 22 a, 22 b and 22 c further includes at least one bracket 70 for supporting the two racquets 20. The brackets 70 are connected to a back panel 72. The back panel 72 can be connected to a frame 74 and/or to a wall 76. The back panel 72 and the frame 74 can be a stand-alone support structures for supporting one or more of the modules 22, 24 and 26, or the back panel 72 and/or the frame 74 can be mounted to the wall 76. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the module can be formed without a back panel and directly connected to a frame or to a wall. Each of the modules 22 a, 22 b and 22 c include two racquets 30 positioned in a generally upright vertical position. The term upright vertical position refers to the racquet being positioned with its longitudinal axis 36 within plus or minus 10 degrees of vertical and the head portion 38 positioned over the handle portion 40. The racquets 20 are also positioned such that the string bed plane 60 is within 30 degrees of the back panel 72 or of the wall 76. Accordingly, the front side of the racquet 20 and the head card 62 is viewable to a user facing the front surface of the display system 10. The upright vertical position of the racquet 20 allows the entire racquet to be readily viewed and inspected by a consumer or other user. The bracket 70 can be configured to allow the racquet 20 to be readily removed from and reinstalled on to the bracket 70. In alternative preferred embodiments, the racquet display system can include two, four, five or more category description modules. The two or more modules can be positioned side by side, one over the other, spaced apart, or any other arrangement. Each of the category description modules can include one racquet, three or more racquets, or no racquet at all.

Referring to FIGS. 4-6, the projecting handle racquet retrieval modules 24 are shown in greater detail. Each of the racquet retrieval modules 24 are preferably aligned, arranged or otherwise linked to one of the category description modules 22. For example, referring to FIG. 4, six racquet retrieval modules 24 are illustrated 24 a, 24 b, 24 c, 24 d, 24 e and 24 f along with the modules 22 a, 22 b and 22 c. The modules 24 a and d correspond to category description module 22 a. The two racquets of module 22 a and the group of racquets 20 included in modules 24 a and 24 d preferably fall within the same category of racquets. In particular, the racquets 20 positioned within modules 22 a, 24 a and 24 d are designed and configured to enable the player to obtain more control and provide the player with an increased ability to impart spin onto a ball. Similarly, modules 24 b and e correspond to module 22 b, and modules 24 c and f correspond to module 22 c. The racquets 20 placed into each of the corresponding modules preferably share the one or more characteristics highlighted by the corresponding modules.

Referring to FIGS. 4-7, the projecting handle retrieval modules 24 are advantageously designed to support a large number of racquets 20 within a small space, while enabling a user positioned facing the front of the retrieval modules 24 to quickly and easily select and retrieve one of the racquets of the module 24 without disturbing or having to move or reposition the other racquets also supported by the module 24. Accordingly, the projecting handle retrieval modules 24 provide an efficient, ergonomically friendly manner of selecting, retrieving, examining and returning a group of racquets in a retail setting or other display application.

Each of the projecting handle racquet retrieval modules or regions 24 include a first, second and third generally horizontally extending support assemblies 80, 82 and 84, and a spacing assembly 86. In one preferred embodiment, the first, second and third generally horizontally extending support assemblies 80, 82 and 84 are single tubular members that directly engage the racquets 20. In alternative preferred embodiments, the first, second and/or third support assemblies can be formed of multiple members, and can be formed in other shapes. FIGS. 12 a through 12 g, discussed below, illustrate other preferred embodiments of the first support assembly 80. In other preferred embodiments, the modules 24 can be formed with only the first and second support assemblies 80 and 82.

Referring to FIG. 7, in a preferred embodiment, the first support assembly 80 is configured to engage either the handle portion 40 or the throat portion 42 of a plurality of racquets 20 at a first plurality of contact points 88. The first plurality of contact points 88 define a first average height, h₁, with respect to the floor 90. The second generally horizontally extending support assembly 82 is configured to engage the head portion 38 of the plurality of racquets at a second plurality of contact points 92. The second plurality of contact points 92 define a second average height, h₂, with respect to the floor 90. The third generally horizontally extending support assembly 84 is configured to engage the head portion 38 of the plurality of racquets at a third plurality of contact points 94. The third plurality of contact points 94 define a third average height, h₃, with respect to the floor 90. The first, second and third support assemblies 80, 82 and 84 are spaced apart from, and are positioned parallel to, each other. The spacing of the first and second support assemblies 80 and 82 can vary depending upon the size or sizes of the racquets to be supported by the module 24. For example, youth racquets have smaller head portions and therefore the spacing between the first and second support assemblies 80 and 82 can be smaller than when the module is used to support adult sized racquets. Likewise, the spacing of the third support assembly 84 from the first and/or the second support assemblies 80 and 82 can also be varied as necessary depending the racquets being supported by the module 24.

In one preferred embodiment, the first average height h₁ is greater than the second average height h₂, and the first and second average heights h₁ and h₂ are both greater than the third average height h₃. The first and second support assemblies 80 and 82 and the first spacing assembly 86 are configured to support the plurality of racquets 20 such that the string bed planes 60 of the racquets 20 are vertically orientated and generally parallel with respect to each other. The handle portions 40 of the plurality of racquets 20 extend in a direction perpendicular to the first and second horizontal support assemblies 80 and 82 so as to extend toward a user facing the display 10. Each of the handle portions 40 of the plurality of racquets 20 extends at a projecting angle, α. The projecting angle α is within the range of 0 to 80 degrees with respect to horizontal. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the projecting angle α is within the range of 5 to 60 degrees. The projecting angle α in combination with the side by side positioning of the racquets 20 with the handle portions 40 projecting toward a user facing the display 10, provides an efficient, easy and ergonomically friendly manner for a user to retrieve, inspect and replace a racquet from the display 10. This embodiment is especially preferred when the height h₁ is 4 feet or less. When the height h₁ is at the user's torso or below (4 feet or less), the positioning of the module 24 provides an ideal position for retrieval and inspection of the racquets. Referring to FIG. 13, in another alternative preferred embodiment, the first height h₁ can be lower than the second height h₂. In this embodiment, the handle portion 40 of the racquet 20 projects outward and downward at a projecting angle α that is within the range of −1 to −60 degrees from horizontal. This alternative preferred embodiment can be employed when the first height h₁ is four feet or higher.

In other preferred embodiments, the third support assembly 84 is also used to support the racquets at the desired projecting angle α or range of projecting angles α. The first, second and/or third support assemblies 80, 82 and 84 of the module 24 can arranged such that the projecting angle of any two racquets within the module is within plus or minus 15 degrees of each other.

The spacing assembly 86 is coupled to at least one of the first and second support assemblies 80 and 82. The spacing assembly 86 is configured to facilitate the spacing apart of the plurality of racquets 20. The spacing assembly 86 preferably includes a plurality of projections that outwardly extend faun one or more of the first, second and third support assemblies 80, 82 and 84 by a sufficient amount to facilitate the positioning and alignment of the racquets 20 within the racquet retrieval module 24. At least a portion of the projections are configured to extend between two adjacent racquets of the plurality of racquets 20 within the racquet retrieval module 24. The projections can be elongate members. Each member preferably extends along a spacing plane 94 that is substantially parallel to the string bed plane 60. The projections or members of the spacing assembly 86 are configured to space apart the grips 40 of handle portions 38 of the plurality of racquets within a module 24 by at least 0.5 inch.

Referring to FIG. 6, the members of the spacing assembly 86 can be a plurality of thin curved tubular strips of rigid material extending from the first and third support assemblies 80 and 84, and then from the third and second supports 84 and 82. In alternative embodiments, the spacing assembly 86 can include members or projections that are sheet like, and/or have other curved, polygonal or irregular shapes provided that they extend between adjacent racquets and each extend along one of the spacing planes 94. In another alternative preferred embodiment, the spacing assembly 86 can include projections that are small spaced apart ribs, knobs or tabs that outwardly extend from one of the first, second and third support assemblies 80, 82 and 84. The projections or members of the spacing assembly can be fowled of a rigid material such as aluminum. In alternative embodiments, the projections or members can be formed of other materials such as, plastic, steel, other alloys, wood, composite materials, other polymeric materials and combinations thereof. In other preferred embodiments, the members can be formed of a flexible material, such as an elastomer.

Referring to FIGS. 4-6, the racquet display system 10 preferably includes two or more racquet retrieval modules 24 that can be separated by one or more dividers 98 and can include one or more end panels 100. The dividers 98 provide a boundary or denote a transition between adjacent racquet retrieval modules 24. The end panels 100 define a side surface of the module 24 when it is spaced apart from other modules or other articles. The end panels 100 and/or the dividers 98 can include indicia 102 that is similar to the indicia 28. In one preferred embodiment, the dividers 98 and the end panels 100 can be a sheet like structures that extends in a direction parallel to the spacing plane 94. In alternative embodiments, the dividers and/or the end panels can have other three dimensional shapes that provide a more textured or depth to the dividers and/or the end panels.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, two or more racquet retrieval modules 24 can be arranged side by side, such as modules 24 a, 24 b and 24 c. The number of modules 24 positioned side by side is dependent upon factors such as the number of racquet categories or characteristics to be highlighted, the number of racquets in the retail space and the size of the retail space dedicated to the display of sports racquets. Additional retrieval modules 24 can be positioned above, below, adjacent to, or in other spaced apart arrangements to other existing retrieval modules. For example, the modules 24 d, 24 e and 24 f can be advantageously positioned directly beneath the modules 24 a, 24 b and 24 c. As indicated above, two or more of the spaced apart modules, such as 24 a and 24 d, can be filled with racquets of the same category or characteristics to optimize the effectiveness of the display system.

Referring to FIGS. 8-11, the inclined racquet retrieval module 26 is shown in greater detail. The module 26 includes first and second generally horizontally extending support assemblies 180 and 182, and a spacing assembly 186. The first support assembly 180 is configured to engage the handle portion 40 of the plurality of racquets 20 supported by the module 26 at a first plurality of contact points 188. The first plurality of contact points define a first average height, h₄, with respect to the floor 90. The second support assembly 182 is configured to engage the head portion 38 of the plurality of racquets 20 at a second plurality of contact points 192. The second plurality of contact points 192 defines a second average height, h₅, with respect to the floor 90. The first average height h₄ is less than the second average height h₅. The second support assembly 182 is spaced apart from and us positioned parallel to the first support assembly 180. The second support assembly 182 is preferably coupled to the wall 76 through a support bracket 110. The support bracket 110 can include a pair of arms 112 coupling the first support assembly 180 to the second support assembly 182.

The first spacing assembly 186 is coupled to at least one of the first and second support assemblies 180 and 182. The first spacing assembly 186, is substantially similar to the spacing assembly 86, and is configured to facilitate the spacing apart of the first plurality of racquets 20. The spacing assembly 186 can include a plurality of members 114 that extend along respective spacing planes 94 between two of the racquets 20 in the module 26. The first and second support assemblies 180 and 182 and the first spacing assembly 186 are configured to support the racquets 20 within the module 26, such that the string bed planes 60 are vertically orientated and generally parallel with respect to each other, and the stringing plane 60 extends in a direction perpendicular to the first and second support assemblies 180 and 182 (and with respect to the wall 76). The module 26 is configured to support the racquets 20 such that the head portions 38 are above the handle portions 40, string bed planes 60 of the racquets are perpendicular to the first and second support assemblies 180 and 182, and each of the handle portions 40 of the racquets extends at a projecting angle β. The projecting angle β is within the range of 5 to 45 degrees with respect to vertical. The positioning of the racquets 20 side by side with the string bed plane 60 perpendicular to the support wall 76 (and to a user facing the system 10 or module 26) and at the projecting angle β provides an ergonomically friendly position for retrieval and inspection by a user of the system 10. The module 26 is configured to enable one of the racquets 20 supported by the module 26 to be removed from the module 26, without disturbing the remaining racquets 20 within the supported by the module 26.

Referring to FIGS. 12 a through 12 g, alternative preferred embodiments of the first support assembly 80 are illustrated. FIG. 12 a illustrates the first support assembly 80 as shown in FIG. 6 with a cross-sectional representation of eight racquets 20 engaging the first support assembly 80. The first, second and/or third support assemblies 80, 82 and 84 can each be a single tubular member or can each be formed of two or more spaced apart elongate members. The first, second and third support assemblies 80, 82 and 84 of the racquet retrieval module 24 can have a generally circular transverse cross-sectional area or be formed with cross-sectional areas of other shapes, such as, for example, ovular, polygonal, other closed curved shapes, irregular shapes, and combinations thereof.

In FIG. 12 b, the first support assembly 80 b can includes a layer 120 (such as a padding layer) applied to the tubular support. The layer 120 can be formed of a flexible resilient material, such as a polyurethane foam. Alternatively, other materials can be used, such as, for example, other elastomers, other foams, and combinations thereof. In other alternative embodiments, the layer 120 can be formed of a rigid material and the layer can be used to space the racquets 20 from the underlying tubular support of the first support assembly 80 b. In FIG. 12 c, the first support assembly 80 c is shown having a curvature along its length. The padding layer 120 can be used to help support the racquets in the position they engage the first support assembly 80 c without sliding laterally to the center of the first support assembly 80 c. Alternatively, the spacing assembly can be used to retain the racquets 20 in their respective engagement positions. Similarly, in FIG. 12 d, the first support assembly 80 d can extend at an angle with respect to horizontal such that the racquets engage the first support assembly 80 d at different heights. Like the first support assembly 80 c, the padding layer 120 and/or the spacing assembly can be used to retain the racquets 20 in their respective engagement positions with the first support assembly 80 d. Referring to FIGS. 12 e and 12 f, the first support assembly 80 e or 80 f can have multiple platforms 122 or surfaces for engaging one or more of the racquets 20. The platforms 122 can vary in height from one to the next along the first support assembly. Referring to FIG. 12 g, the first support assembly 80 g can include a plurality of support extensions 124 configured to support on or more of the racquets 20 at a position that is spaced apart other portions of the first support assembly such as an underlying horizontal tubular support 126. Accordingly, it is contemplated that the first support assembly 80 and the other support assemblies can take many different forms and can include one or more subcomponents. The support assembly incorporate features that facilitate the spacing of the racquets thereby enabling the module to be formed with or without the spacing assembly.

The modular configuration of the racquet display system 10 and the combination of available modules 22, 24 and 26 enables the racquet system to be configured and customized to meet a large variety of retail applications. A racquet display system configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention reduces the likelihood of a consumer viewing a large quantity of racquets will confuse one category of racquets from another category of racquets. A racquet display system configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention enables a consumer or a racquet sales professional to readily access a single racquet from a display of numerous racquets of different characteristics without having to disturb or otherwise reposition the other racquets on display. The present racquet display system also enables a user to quickly identify the racquets that meet the characteristic or characteristics he or she is seeking. The racquet display system of the present invention allows for the optimization of the retail space allocated to sports racquets. The present invention increase the likelihood that racquets in a retail space will be noticed, examined and purchased by a consumer. A racquet display system configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention minimizes the display space, provides useful information to the consumer, and enables consumers to select a racquet from the collection of racquets quickly and easily. The modular aspect of the present racquet display system enables the system to be tailored and customized to accommodate different sized retail spaces and retail centers.

While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. One of skill in the art will understand that the invention may also be practiced without many of the details described above. Accordingly, it will be intended to include all such alternatives, modifications and variations set forth within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Further, some well-known structures or functions may not be shown or described in detail because such structures or functions would be known to one skilled in the art. Unless a telin is specifically and overtly defined in this specification, the terminology used in the present specification is intended to be interpreted in its broadest reasonable manner, even though may be used conjunction with the description of certain specific embodiments of the present invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A racquet display system for displaying a first plurality of sports racquets in an area having a floor, each of the sports racquets including a head portion and at least one of a handle portion and a throat portion, the head portion of each of the sports racquets defining a string bed plane, the system comprising: a first generally horizontally extending support assembly configured to engage one of the handle portion and the throat portion of the first plurality of racquets at a first plurality of contact points, the first plurality of contact points defining a first average height with respect to the floor; a second generally horizontally extending support assembly configured to engage the head portion of the first plurality of racquets at a second plurality of contact points, the second support assembly spaced apart from and positioned parallel to the first support assembly, the second plurality of contact points defining a second average height with respect to the floor, the first average height being greater than the second average height; and a first spacing assembly coupled to at least one of the first and second support assemblies, the first spacing assembly configured to facilitate the spacing apart of the first plurality of racquets, the first and second support assemblies and the first spacing assembly configured to support the first plurality of racquets such that the string bed planes are vertically orientated and generally parallel with respect to each other, the handle portions of the first plurality of racquets extending in a direction perpendicular to the first and second horizontal support assemblies, and each of the handle portions of the first plurality of racquets extend at a projecting angle, the projecting angle being within the range of 0 to 80 degrees with respect to horizontal.
 2. The racquet display system of claim 1, wherein the spacing assembly includes a plurality of projections outwardly extending from at least one of the first and second horizontal support assemblies, and wherein at least a portion of the projections are configured to extend between two adjacent racquets of the first plurality of racquets.
 3. The racquet display system of claim 1, wherein the spacing assembly includes a plurality of members, wherein each of the members extends between a portion of at least one of the head portion and the throat portion of two adjacent racquets of the first plurality of racquets, and wherein each of the members extends about a plane that is generally parallel to the string bed plane.
 4. The racquet display system of claim 3, wherein the plurality of members are a plurality of curved spacing strips.
 5. The racquet display system of claim 1, wherein the first and second support assemblies and the spacing assembly are configured to support the first plurality of racquets such that the projecting angle of each of the handle portions of the first plurality of racquets is within the range of 5 to 60 degrees from horizontal.
 6. The racquet display system of claim 1, wherein the first and second support assemblies and the spacing assembly are configured to support the first plurality of racquets such that the projecting angle of any one of the handle portions of the first plurality of racquets is within plus or minus 15 degrees of the projecting angle of the remaining handle portions of the first plurality of racquets.
 7. The racquet display system of claim 1, further comprising a third generally horizontally extending support assembly configured to engage the head portion of the first plurality of racquets at a third plurality of contact points, the third support assembly spaced apart from and positioned parallel to the first and second support assemblies, the third plurality of contact points defining a third average height with respect to the floor, the third average height being less than the first average height and less than the second average height.
 8. The racquet display system of claim 1, further comprising at least one divider, wherein the at least one divider is configured to separate the first plurality of racquets into at least first and second categories.
 9. The racquet display system of claim 8, wherein the at least one divider is at least two dividers configured to separate the first plurality of racquets into at least three categories.
 10. The racquet display system of claim 8, further comprising at least first and second category description panels coupled to and configured to be positioned in close relation to the at least first and second categories of the first plurality of racquets, respectively.
 11. The racquet display system of claim 10, wherein the at least first and second category description panels are positioned above the at least first and second categories of the first plurality of racquets, respectively.
 12. The racquet display system of claim 1, further comprising first and second end panels coupled to first and second ends of the first support, respectively, and wherein the first and second end panels include graphical and/or alphanumeric indicia.
 13. The racquet display system of claim 1, wherein the first and second support assemblies are coupled to one of a wall and a frame.
 14. The racquet display system of claim 1, further comprising: a fourth generally horizontally extending support assembly configured to engage one of the handle portion and the throat portion of the second plurality of racquets at a fourth plurality of contact points, the fourth plurality of contact points defining a fourth average height with respect to the floor; a fifth generally horizontally extending support assembly configured to engage the head portion of the second plurality of racquets at a fifth plurality of contact points, the fifth support assembly spaced apart from and positioned parallel to the fourth support assembly, the fifth plurality of contact points defining a fifth average height with respect to the floor, the fourth average height being greater than the fifth average height; and a second spacing assembly coupled to at least one of the fourth and fifth support assemblies, the second spacing assembly configured to facilitate the spacing apart of the second plurality of racquets, the fourth and fifth support assemblies and the second spacing assembly configured to support the second plurality of racquets such that the string bed planes are vertically orientated and parallel with respect to each other, the handle portions of the second plurality of racquets extend in a direction perpendicular to the fourth and fifth horizontal supports, and each of the handle portions of the second plurality of racquets extend at a projecting angle with respect to horizontal within the range of 0 to 80 degrees.
 15. The racquet display system of claim 14, wherein the first and second support assemblies are positioned above the fourth and fifth support assemblies.
 16. The racquet display system of claim 1, wherein the system is configured to enable one of the racquets of the first plurality of racquets to be removed from the display system without disturbing the remaining of the first plurality of racquets.
 17. A sports racquet display system configured for displaying at least two different categories of sports racquets, each of the sports racquets including a head portion and at least one of a handle portion and a throat portion, the head portion of each of the sports racquets defining a string bed plane, the display system having a front configured to be accessible to a user facing the display system, the system comprising: at least first and second category description regions, each of the at least first and second category description regions directed to at least first and second racquet categories, each racquet category being defined by at least one characteristic, each of the at least first and second category description regions configured for supporting at least one racquet from the at least first and second racquet categories, respectively, in a first position in which the head portion of the racquet is positioned above the handle portion of the racquet, the first and second category description regions including graphical and/or alphanumeric indicia; at least first and second racquet retrieval regions positioned in close relation to the at least first and second racquet retrieval regions, respectively, each of the at least first and second racquet retrieval regions configured for supporting a plurality of racquets from the at least first and second racquet categories, respectively, in a second position in which the string bed plane is substantially vertical and the handle portion extends from the head portion toward the user facing the display system at a projecting angle, the projecting angle being within the range of 0 to 85 degrees from horizontal.
 18. The racquet display system of claim 17, wherein the at least one characteristic is selected from the group consisting of the following racquet characteristics: length, weight, swing weight, head size, string pattern, moment of inertia about a longitudinal axis, vibrational frequency, coefficient of restitution, brand name, model name, color, graphical design, and combinations thereof.
 19. The racquet display system of claim 17, wherein the at least one characteristic is selected from the group consisting of the following player characteristics: age, height, gender, skill level, swing speed, desired feedback level, desired power level, desired control level, desired level of spin imparted to a ball, and combinations thereof.
 20. The racquet display system of claim 17, wherein the projecting angle is within the range of 5 to 60 degrees from horizontal.
 21. The racquet display system of claim 17, wherein the projecting angle of any one of the handle portions of the plurality of racquets is within plus or minus 10 degrees of the projecting angle of the remaining handle portions of the plurality of racquets.
 22. The racquet display system of claim 17, wherein the at least first and second racquet retrieval regions include: a first generally horizontally extending support assembly configured to engage one of the handle portion and the throat portion of the at least two different categories of sports racquets; a second generally horizontally extending support assembly configured to engage the head portion of the at least two different categories of sports racquets, the second support assembly spaced apart from and positioned parallel to the first support assembly; and a first spacing assembly coupled to at least one of the first and second support assemblies, the first spacing assembly configured to facilitate the spacing apart of the at least two different categories of sports racquets.
 23. The racquet display system of claim 22, wherein the first spacing assembly includes a plurality of members, wherein each of the members extends between a portion of at least one of the head portion and the throat portion of two adjacent racquets of the at least two different categories of sports racquets, and wherein each of the members extends about a plane that is generally parallel to the string bed plane.
 24. The racquet display system of claim 22, further comprising a third generally horizontally extending support assembly configured to engage the head portion of the at least two different categories of sports racquets at a third plurality of contact points.
 25. The racquet display system of claim 17, further comprising at least one divider, wherein the at least one divider is configured to separate the at least two different categories of sports racquets.
 26. The racquet display system of claim 17, wherein the system is configured to enable one of the racquets of the at least two different categories of sports racquets to be removed from the display system without disturbing the remaining racquets.
 27. A racquet display system for displaying a first plurality of sports racquets in an area having a floor, each of the sports racquets including a head portion and a handle portion, the head portion of each of the sports racquets defining a string bed plane, the display system having a front configured to be accessible to a user facing the display system, the system comprising: a first generally horizontally extending support assembly configured to engage the handle portion of the first plurality of racquets at a first plurality of contact points, the first plurality of contact points defining a first average height with respect to the floor; a second generally horizontally extending support assembly configured to engage the head portion of the first plurality of racquets at a second plurality of contact points, the second support assembly spaced apart from and positioned parallel to the first support assembly, the second plurality of contact points defining a second average height with respect to the floor, the first average height being less than the second average height; and a first spacing assembly coupled to at least one of the first and second support assemblies, the first spacing assembly configured to facilitate the spacing apart of the first plurality of racquets, the first and second support assemblies and the first spacing assembly configured to support the first plurality of racquets such that the string bed planes are vertically orientated and generally parallel with respect to each other, the display system configured to support the first plurality of racquets such that the head portions are above the handle portions, string bed planes of the first plurality of racquets are perpendicular to the first and second support assemblies, and each of the handle portions of the first plurality of racquets extend at a projecting angle, the projecting angle being within the range of 5 to 45 degrees with respect to vertical, the display system configured to enable one of the racquets of the first plurality of racquets to be removed from the display system without disturbing the remaining of the first plurality of racquets. 